Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer made a huge statement on 23-year-old all-rounder Suryansh Shedge after the series loss to Ireland. India suffered a 0-2 whitewash in the two-match T20I series.
Wasim Jaffer believed India were missing a quality all-rounder like Hardik Pandya, who is currently recovering from injury. He noted how Hardik would bowl at least three overs, including the new ball. Talking about Suryansh Shedge, who played the second T20I, he stated that the 23-year-old was not capable of bowling three to four overs at this stage.
“We have seen Hardik taking the new ball at times. He gives you at least three overs and plays the role of a finisher. That cog is missing. You are playing Suryansh, but at the moment, he doesn’t have the ability to bowl 3-4 overs. Even Nitish. They are not in that calibre at the moment. So definitely India is missing Hardilk. I feel the fast bowlers will have to step up, and the batters will also have to cover for this and outbat the opposition,” he said on his YouTube channel.
While it was a disappointing series defeat, Wasim Jaffer pointed out that there were some positives for India in the form of Harshit Rana and Prince Yadav. However, he reckoned that it was a collective failure, especially from the batting line-up.
“Harshit bowled well on his comeback, and he batted well too. You can see the improvement in him, and it is visible. You can trust him with the bat at number eight and nine. He has been successful and the positive in these two games without a doubt. Prince also used his opportunity well, so there have been positives. But collectively, the team has not performed, the batting has not performed,” he added.
Harshit picked up four wickets from two games at an average of 10.25 and an economy rate of just 5.85. He also chipped in with the bat. Prince Yadav, who debuted in the second game, picked 3/22.
Wasim Jaffer feels the England series will be tougher
Wasim Jaffer felt that the England series would be tougher after the defeat to Ireland. He reckoned that England would take confidence and belief from the fact that Ireland beat a full-strength Indian side.
The former batter also highlighted that the Men in Blue were missing key players such as Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
“England will definitely be a tougher challenge. After the Ireland series, England will also believe that they can beat India. There are loopholes as there is no Bumrah and Hardik. Two important players. Somebody else has to fill those shoes. The England series will be even more tougher. I hope India start to play at their best after this wake-up call,” he said.
India are set to play five T20Is in England, with the first game to take place on Wednesday, July 1.
Edited by Rishab Vm